The law, signed by President Trump, guarantees 4.3 billion USD for the implementation of a project aimed at strengthening the U.S. presence in Arctic waters. This task will be carried out by the U.S. Coast Guard, which has launched the Polar Security Cutter (PSC) program. Three such vessels, icebreakers, will be built by Bollinger Shipyards. Their endurance will allow for missions lasting up to 90 days. The 140-meter-long hull will accommodate approximately 186 personnel and feature a deck-based helicopter.
The main tasks will include securing U.S. interests in polar regions, icebreaking, and supporting scientific research operations.
Image: USCG
The prototype vessel is being funded through this year’s budget. Bollinger Shipyards has signed a contract worth 951 million USD. The signed law paves the way for activating contract options for two additional cutters of this type.
The PSC program aims to enhance the capabilities of the U.S. shipbuilding industry in constructing vessels for domestic agencies. Currently, those capabilities fall below required standards, prompting U.S. authorities to consider ordering some of the vessels from foreign shipyards (including those in the Republic of Korea and Japan). Strengthening shipbuilding capacity and the U.S. Coast Guard is intended to improve border control and help restore the industrial power lost due to budget cuts in the late 20th century.
